Australian Retirement Trust supports Voice to Parliament

Media release - 22 June 2023

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament as an important step towards reconciliation.

ART recently launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan which contained fifteen commitments, including the promotion of reconciliation through its sphere of influence.

ART Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Reilly, said that “ART has a proud record of serving our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, including those who live in some of the most remote communities in Australia. Through our many years of experience working with our members we have seen the reality of the gap in retirement outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is a gap that the industry has a role to play in closing.

“We believe that the referendum is an opportunity for the voice of First Nations Australians to be amplified so that their needs can be better addressed by policy makers, particularly in relation to Australia’s retirement income system.

“That means that the Government needs to take particular note of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who are not currently enjoying the same standard of retirement as other Australians.

“We are also encouraging our team members, and all Australians, to access information and engage in an informed and respectful dialogue as they participate in this important national conversation,” Mr Reilly said.